Referred as the “Spice Garden of India”, Kerala is a beautiful state
with an excellent landscape of palm-lined beaches, thick jungles,
plantation-covered hills, and enthralling rivers and lakes. It is considered to
be one of the cleanest and the most peaceful parts of India, with the state
remaining a major source of India's bananas, rubber, cardamoms, coconuts,
cashews, and ginger.
The National Geographic Traveler has
quoted Kerala as India’s most verdant state with one of the world’s 50 “must
see” destinations. “The god who made Kerala had a green thumb”, true to the
popular Malayali saying, Kerala’s rich resources have long attracted visitors
from across the oceans. It is in fact here that the first seafarers set foot on
Indian soil.
Legend has it that long before Vasco
Da Gama discovered India, when he landed on the coast of Kerala, King Solomon's
ships traded off the Malabar coast between 972 and 932 B.C., followed by the
Phoenicians, Romans, Christians, Arabs, and Chinese. They all came to stock up
on monkeys, tigers, parrots, timber, sandalwood, and ivory along with the
abundance of spices.
Kerala is sandwiched between the Lakshadweep Sea and the
forested Western Ghats that define its border with Tamil Nadu to the east. In
1956, the state of Kerala was formed from the former princely states of
Travancore, Kochi, and Malabar. Despite its high population density, Keralites
have the country's highest life expectancy and the lowest infant mortality
rates. As it was largely ruled by benevolent Maharajas who introduced social
reforms emphasizing the provision of education and basic services, Kerala
remains one of the most progressed and educated states in India. In those days,
Kerala was more caste-divided than any other area. It was only in this region
that untouchability was highly predominant. But today, it is one of the least
caste-conscious and communally tranquil areas of India.
Kerala has a
high percentage (22%) of Christians whose traditions go back to St. Thomas the
Apostle. Another cultural rarity can be seen in the white Jews of Cochin. The
first democratically elected Communist Party came to power in Kerala for the
first time in the whole world.
The state
capital is Thiruvananthapuram. Being a land of spices, realm of Ayurveda,
heart-throbbing sceneries, exciting array of dances, Kerala is a microcosm of
multi-religious India, co-habited by the Hindus, the Christians and the Muslims.
Malabar and Kerala:
The word
Malabar was first used by Al-Biruni (973-1048 A.D.). The Arab writers are
believed to have derived Malabar from the word mala (hill) as mentioned by the
Cosmas Indicopleustus of 6th century. He refers to the Kerala
Coast as male and varam (country). The medieval Tamil writers called the land
as malainadu meaning the land of hills.
The word
Keralam is found in the Ashoka inscriptions of the third century B.C. It is
formed from Chera (the Kera/Chera people) and alam (land) meaning "the
land of Cheras."
The second
rock-edict of Ashoka refers to "Keralaputra" along with along
with the Cholas, Pandyas, and Satyaputra as the border kingdoms of the Maurya
Empire.
In the first
century A.D., the Roman historian Pliny refers Kerala as Caelobrothas and the
author of Periplus of the Erithryan Sea mentions it as Cerobothra. The 2nd century
geographer Ptolemy called Kerala as Kerobothro.
TOURISM IN KERALA:
Kerala , known as Gods Own Country has some of the best tourist destinations in India for any kind of holiday. It is the land of coconuts, backwaters, elephants and the land of rich cultures and traditions, and has been one of the most sought after places by travelers from all around the world .
It is without doubt one of the most beautiful places on earth and that’s why it is known as’Gods Own Country’. From the stunning beaches along the Malabar Coast to the maze of backwater canals cutting through huge rice fields to the glorious rolling hillside tea plantations in the Western Ghats, Kerala’s landscapes are almost as diverse as its people and the culture and history of the people of Kerala is a major factor in attracting the tourists. If you are planning to visit Kerala, here is a selection of the best places to visit in Kerala .
Kerala , is one of the most awesome tourist locations in the world and that’s why it is known as ‘Gods Own Country’.Kerala has some of the best destinations in the world for any type family vacation or holiday or honeymoon. Tourist Places in Kerala is an amalgamation of rich cultures, traditions and folk dances and is also the land of elephants, coconuts, backwaters and unique local cuisine.
From the awesome seashores along the Malabar Shore to the labyrinth of backwater pathways in Alleppey and Kumarakom to the fantastic verdant hillside tea gardens in Munnar, Kerala’s scenery and points of interest are almost as different and unique as its individuals and the lifestyle and record of the individuals of Kerala is a significant component in gaining the visitors from all over the world.
If you are preparing to check out Kerala, here is a selection of the Top 10 places to visit in Kerala.
1.ALLEPEY BACKWATERS:
Alleppey is well known for the backwater trips on houseboats and always comes on top among the best destinations to check out in Kerala, simply because it is a exclusive encounter that you cannot get anywhere else on the globe. Alleppey was described as the one of the locations known as ‘Venice of the East’ by Lord Curzon. A houseboat vacation along the natural backwaters in Alleppey provides a chance to observe landscapes attractions like lavish paddy areas below the water levels, small chapels, fishing with netting, ducks in water, water lilies etc, sure to remain etched in your mind forever and this is among the best places to visit in Kerala in October to December. A vacation along the pathways with conventional Kerala food provided in a bananas leaves is fascinating with a meditative spell that is weaving a feeling of calmness and beauty around you . All months from Sept to May are fun to check out and go to Alleppey which has few of the best backwater trips in Kerala. Some other tourist destinations in Alleppey are Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple , Arthunkal Church , Krishnapuram Palace, Pathiramanal, Marari Beach, Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha etc other than the beach in Alleppey which may be among the closest encounters to Arabian Sea. All months from September to May are good time to visit and go to Alleppey which has few of the best backwater tours in Kerala.
Alleppey Tourism
January, February , March ,April, May, September, October, November , December
Nearest Airport to Alleppey –
Kochi Airport (COK) at a distance of 51 kilometers
Popular Alleppey Tourism Attractions –
Alappuzha Beach , Kumarakom bird sanctuary, revi karunakaran museum , Marari Beach, Punnamada Lake
Alleppey Weather –
Pleasant and Hot. Umbrella may be required in monsoon season.
2.MUNNAR:
Munnar is the most popular hill station in South India and the best tourist place in Kerala. It has a unique views of verdant mountain slopes which are covered with about 80,000 miles of green tea farms like organic bedding over mountains which offer views of low-flying clouds and misty valleys. Munnar is usually cold and relaxed and gives you a incredible sensation, with the dense spray around you in the center of the organic tea farms. Munnar was once the summer season of the erstwhile English and English settlers found that the elevation, slope and alignment of the hills were particularly designed for the farming of tea. The modern end result is the lavish organic mountains decorated by tea gardens which is the sight to look out for in modern Munnar. There are also lot of waterfalls and hiking routes in Munnar for the adventure seeking guests. With its drowsy little bungalows, bungalows, old play areas and tea factories, Munnar is one of those unique hill stations in India with an old world colonial feel to the area.
Munnar Tourism;
Best months to Visit Munnar –
January, February , March ,April, May,June, July, August, September, October, November , December
Nearest Airport to Munnar –
Kochi Airport (COK) at a distance of 143 kilometers
Popular Munnar Tourism Attractions –
TATA Tea Museum, Blossom Park, Pothamedu ViewPoint, Attukal Waterfalls, Top Station, Kundala Lake, Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, Marayoor Dolmens, Anamudi, Indo Swiss Diary Farm, Lockhart Gap, Cheeyapara Waterfalls, Life of Pi Church, Meesapulimala,
MunnarWeather –
Pleasant and Cold. Hotels does not have AC. Umbrella may be required in monsoon season
3.KUMARAKOM:
If you have craved to stay in a small village in Kerala
for enjoying the backwaters, sipping on tender coconut water, tasting some
authentic Kerala food and experiencing the warmth of fresh air, Kumarakom is
the place you should be in when you travel to Kerala. Situated near the
Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a sleepy little hamlet with exotic scenery and rare
flora and fauna. The place offers boating, house boat cruising, fishing and
sightseeing. Canals, waterways and lakes decorated with lilies and lined with
coconut groves, green paddy fields and mangrove forests will be quite tempting
for any visitor to have a stress relieving vacation. Kumarakom is situated near
to Ayemenem town where the popular book THE GOD OF SMALL THINGS was set is the most awesome
position in Kerala (arguably) providing you the most delightful Kerala food.
Sailing through the relaxed wealthy waters of Kumarakom in an experience in
Kerala in itself. Spread across 14 acres, the sanctuary accommodates varieties
of birds including teal, wild duck, egrets, herons, cuckoo, waterfowl, darters
and also migratory birds. The place offers boat trip around the islands giving
you a breathtaking experience of watching the birds and the nature’s beauty.
The sanctuary is open for public daily from 6AM to 6PM.
4.WAYANAD:
To know the greener side of Kerala, one must visit Wayanad which translates to the land of paddy fields in Local language Malayalam. It won’t be irrelevant to call it the ‘Green Paradise’ if you are planning for a sightseeing in Kerala. Calm and quiet, enriched with scenic beauty, tradition and wildlife, Wayanad is a blend of nature and heaven together and is one of the best places to visit in Kerala during summer. Wayanad is also famous for the richness it holds in the tribal heritage and agricultural abundance. Observing the lifestyle of over fifty tribes dwelling in this region will be a mind-blowing experience. The place is least populated when compared to other districts in Kerala, but the exoticness and landscape make it a must visit destination in the God’s own country. Wayanad all together has many exotic locations in and around the district like edakkal caves, banasura sagar dam, Wayanad Wildlife Santuary, Lakkidi, Tusharagiri Waterfalls, Kalpetta, and Sentinel Rockfalls. Wayanad is a popular trekking destination in Monsoons and is a must visit destination in Kerala in July and August for adventure tourism enthusiasts.
5.THEKKADY:
Periyar Wildlife sanctuary in Thekkady is a popular wild life sanctuary preserving various species of animals including elephants, tigers, sambars, gaurs and the very rare lion tailed macaques. The forest is situated on the banks of the lake, Periyar. Of the 777 sq kms of area, 360 sq km has been taken up bythe thick evergreen forest. Thekkady’s scenic beauty along with its wildlife has been attracting tourists and visitors from all over the world for years. Probably the best position in Kerala to see wildlife while doing a boat trip trip in Thekkady lake. From the mighty Indian elephant to the Great Indian tiger to leopards, boars, bisons, deers etc Thekkady has it all that a wild life sanctuary has. The tourism department provides going up the right into the middle of the jungles either on feet or on top of elephants. If you want some more awesome adventure,you can take the path from Moozhiyar to Thekkadi via Gavi spinning through the thickest wooded miles of Kerala. Elephants are a common sight in Thekkady and boating is the favortie past time for most tourist who visits Thekkady.
6.KOCHI:
Cochin is in central kerala and it is easy to get to most of the tourist places in Kerala from Kochi , the primary reason because of which Kochi is the starting point for most of the Kerala tour packages. Though the tourist destination is known as Kochi, it is a part of Ernakulam which is a beautiful district located on the coast of the Arabian Sea and must see place to go in Kerala. Ernakulam city is quite fast and modern and the old art of city is theFort Kochi with a mix of british, portugese and dutch cultures spread all across. Though Ernakulam is also known as Cochin, the latter is an interesting city in the district often known as the commercial capital of Kerala. Ernakulam is also titled as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’ as it is one of the finest natural harbors in the world. In the past, Dutch, Portuguese, Arabs, Chinese and the British have visited here and left their impressions in the town. Today, Ernakulam is as a booming metropolis city in Kerala with many industrial buildings and IT hubs taking shape in and around it.
Just 8 kilometers away from the Ernakulam town is a historic place of Fort Cochin which has some beautiful impressions of the foreign heritage. The place used to be a Municipal town for more than a century and is now one of the major urban elements of the present day Cochin; Ernakulam is another and Mattancherry forms the third element. One can find old English, Dutch and Portuguese houses and buildings in both Fort Cochin and Mattancherry that take us back to those colonial periods. Besides those beautifully laden busy streets and shops, there are a few places in Fort Cochin as well as Mattancherry that attract tourists, mostly foreigners like Chinese Fishing Nets, Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Cemetery, Mattancherry Palace and so on.
7.THIRUVANTHAPURAM:
Being the largest and the most populous city in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram has people from various parts of the state living here in social, religious and cultural harmony. The city also holds India’s first IT Park and Asia’s third largest, Technopark, making it a land of technology as well. As large as it is, Thiruvananthapuram has many breathtaking locations, of which some must-visits are Kuthiramalika Palace Museum , Napier Museum , Ponmudi, Kovalam, Veli Tourist Village and ThenmalaSri Padmanabhaswamy Temple which is the riches temple in the world is also in trivandrum.
8.VARKALA:
Varkala in Kerala is a amazing beach with a little seaside and a high high cliff part which is complete of action and is among the best seaside places in Kerala . 51 miles away from Thiruvananthapuram, on its northern side, Varkala has the appeal and potential to entice guests from all over the world with its natural charm and high cliffs. The seaside is quite well-known among people from other countries as its journey and enjoyment provides many interesting activities such as sun bathing, boat riding, surfing and ayurvedic massages. Varkala also is unique as a important pilgrim of the Hindus and the beach called Papanasham which translates into was away your sins is supposed to be the best place to look at the sunset. The long unique seaside places, amazing resorts, fresh air etc attracts the guests to Varkala, who wish to have a less crowded beach vacation than that in near by Kovalam. The unique and amazing destinations of varkala is one of the best cases for the appeal of God’s Own Country. Varkala seaside is about one range long and divided into two. The northern end is for sun worshippers & the south east end is for Hindu lovers and the varkala tourist sightseeing include attractions like Varkala Beach, Janardhana Temple , Sivagiri Mutt and Kappil Lake.
9.KOVALAM:
Rated as among the best beaches in India even before Kerala Tourism shot into prominence Kovalam is the favorite option of many tourists in Kerala for relaxing in the sun, ayurvedic treatments and powerful strong deep massages and is also among the best places to visit in Kerala in December and January for New Year celebrations. The crescent shaped beach has a light house on its southern side, which provides an excellent view of the city especially the moon-shaped beach and the Vizhinjam mosque. Kovalam which is derived from cocnut trees is 16 kms away from Trivandrum. The mild home provide an awesome perspective of the moon-shaped beach and the Vizhinjam mosque. To the northern of Kovalam is the Samudra beach and Hawah beach is in the middle of Kovalam. The rocky formations mixes with the calm blue bay to turn the bay into a exclusive aquarelle on moonlit evenings. Three beaches at Kovalam are divided the rocky formations that is projecting out to the sea. The bigger one is known as Light House Beach and the second biggest in the Hawah beach.
10.ASHTAMUDI:
Ashtamudi translates into eight channels and translates in local language as a lake with eight branches and is the second longest lake in Kerala stretching a distance of 16 kilometers finally merging into the sea at the estuary in Neendakara in Kollam. The backwater cruise between Ashtamudi and Alleppey is considered to be the longest in Kerala and is the best experience to intimately experience the best backwaters in Kerala . Ashtamudi lake is the best place to enjoy the serene beauty of the coconut groves and palm trees along the banks the backaters and is less crowded unlike Alleppey. Munroe Island (Munroethuruth) which is located at the confluence of Kallada river and Ashtamudi lake is a cluster of eight tiny islands is named in honour of Resident Colonel John Munro who oversaw the land restoration efforts in Kallada river adjoining the Ashtamudi lake. When you enjoy a cruise in Ashtamudi lake you can enjoy the sightings of Chinese fishing nets which is locally known as cheena vala which is used for fishing and other activities like coconut husk retting used to produce coir products and the canoe from which the ripples from the oar spreads out in the backwaters.
